My Remodeled Life: October 2013

Seoul - Day 6 Street Views

Some random photographs taken while search for a nearby post office in Insadong neighborhood.

Tapgol Park is easy to overlook. It only a few minutes from our apartment in the Insadong neighborhood and if you are looking for a post office - it sits next the park behind the police station. The park sits on the Wonglac Temple site. It is home to Korean Treasure No. 2 a Pagoda from 1465 for King Sejo.

Seoul - Day 6 Mahabodhi Buddhist Temple

We stumbled upon this Buddhist temple in Insadong neighborhood while looking for the Post Office.

Seoul - Day 6 Changgyeonggung Palace

Changgyeonggung sits adjacent to Changdeokgung. There is a side entrance to the place immediately next to the entrance to the secret garden. Changgyeonggung was built to house three dowager queens and reduce crowding at Changdeokgung. The palace was constructed in 1418. The pine trees are beautiful on this palace grounds. Well, we did it. We visited all six palaces including the 1 unofficial palace in Seoul.

Kings Court and Throne Room

Main Gate

King's Court and Throne Room

King's Throne

Ceiling in Throne Room

Seoul - Day 6 Secret Garden

Behind Changdeokgung is the famous secret garden. They provide two 90 minute walking tours in English every day (except Monday when the Palace is closed). It is well worth the visit - but be warned the walking includes some step inclines. This garden was for the King and visitors were only allowed with is permission.

The pond is square to represent Earth. The Island is round to represent the Sky.

One of the many King's Pagodas located throughout the secret garden.

King's Library

Another of the King's Pagodas where he celebrated the harvest by planting rice

Unusual construction to protect from sunlight on the western exposure. This smaller house was designed after a nobleman's home so it is not painted.

Seoul - Day 6 Changdeokgung Palace

We saved the final two palaces and secret garden for our last full day in Seoul. It stormed last night but the skies have cleared this morning. The storm brought cooler temperatures with it. A beautiful day to visit the secret garden.

Changdeokgung was built as a back-up palace of the Joseon Dynasty in 1405. It was reconstructed by in 1610 and has served as the main palace for 270 years. We can see the grounds from our apartment at Fraser Suites and it is a 10 minute walk. Electricity and western style were introduced in the rebuilding. The King's office has a blue tile rooftop which is wonderful when the sunlight hits it. Parts of the palace were actually lived in until 1960s. The grounds offer homes to the King & Queen, King's mother, Royal Children, and Crown Prince - oh yeah, and the King's Concubines. It was added to UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997.